Ethiopian Startup Beemi Secures Seed Funding to Boost Mobile Livestreaming Innovation

Addis Ababa-based startup Beemi has raised an undisclosed amount in seed funding from Renew Capital to expand its mobile-first livestreaming platform across Africa.

The investment will help the company scale its interactive features, strengthen creator monetization tools, and build strategic partnerships with content creators and brands.

Founded in 2023 by Dawit Abraham, Beemi allows livestreamers to embed social games such as trivia into platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch without needing a PC. The platform is designed for Africa’s mobile-first audience, enabling creators to host live games directly within their streams.

“At Beemi, we’re focused on helping streamers grow and earn by making their content more interactive,” said Dawit Abraham, co-founder and CEO. “When audiences feel involved, they stay longer, come back more often, and support the creators they love.”

The platform is currently piloting monetization tools, including branded advertising integrations, creator subscriptions, and a marketplace for streamable games. Its early success includes a TikTok LIVE event featuring a “Family-Feud” style game, which drew nearly 15,000 viewers, 2,000 participants, and gained the host 700 new followers over 11 hours.

Beemi is tapping into Africa’s growing digital economy by offering creators new ways to engage audiences and generate income. The platform is tailored to the continent’s rapidly expanding mobile internet penetration and youthful population.

“Beemi is unlocking a new layer of value in livestreaming,” said Adam Abate, Principal for Investment Management at Renew Capital. “Their value proposition and early results are clear and compelling, and Beemi’s team comes with rich experience and dedication to the problem they are trying to solve.”

Renew Capital’s support is provided in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, as part of efforts to boost innovative startups across the continent’s digital ecosystem.